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MONDAY | MAY 26, 2025

Malaysian Paper

Giant killers Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun stun Aaron-Wooi Yik to claim Malaysia Masters title

N ATIONAL men’s doubles pair Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun made amends for their Malaysia Masters 2023 runners-up heartbreak when they stunned compatriots and 2022 world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to be crowned as the 2025 edition champions yesterday. Fifth seeds Wei Chong-Kai Wun were in cruise control from the start of the opening set in the battle at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, racing to a 6-1 lead. The world No. 8 then widened the gap to nine points at 20-11, largely due to a string of unforced errors, especially at the net by fourth seeds Aaron-Wooi Yik and closed it out with 21-12. Shaking off early nerves, the world No. 3 Aaron-Wooi Yik unleashed an aggressive display in the second set, surging to an 11-8 lead at the interval and maintaining their momentum to force a deciding set with 21-15. It was a close fight in the early stages of the third set, with both pairs locked at 8-8, but from then on Wei Chong-Kai Wun kept their cool and defended well to thwart their opponents from gaining any real momentum. A thunderous smash from Wei Chong sealed a famous 21-16 victory over their senior compatriots in a 50 minute rubber set battle, making them the first Malaysian pair to win the men’s doubles title at the Malaysia Masters since Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah in 2013. Yesterday’s victory not only marked their third win in five meetings against Aaron-Wooi Yik, but also their second title of the year, having clinched the Indonesia Masters 2025 by upsetting home favourites Fajar Alfian Muhammad Rian Ardianto, 21-11, 21 19, in January. As Malaysia Masters 2025 champions, Wei Chong-Kai Wun pocketed US$37,525 (RM159,000) prize money while Aaron-Wooi Yik earned US$18,050 (RM76,000) as runners-up. In earlier matches, Li Shi Feng etched his name in history by becoming the first Chinese men’s singles shuttler to win the Malaysia Masters.

The 25-year-old claimed the victory after outplaying unseeded Indian shuttler Srikanth Kidambi in straight sets, 21-11, 21-9 in just 36 minutes. “I didn’t expect to be the first at this event because I hadn’t really paid attention to who won it before, but maybe recently I have paid some attention, but I think it’s a very good start. So being able to win deserves a celebration,” he told reporters. “Because in previous interviews, I mentioned that every year I reach the semifinals and this time to break through and win the championship, I feel it’s an affirmation and encouragement for myself.” Meanwhile, top seed Wang Zhi Yi of China lived up to her billing as the top seed as she came from behind to defend the women’s singles title for two years in a row, beating her compatriot and second seed Han Yue, 13-21, 21-13, 21-18, in 75 minute duel. The world No. 4 will now shift his focus to the Singapore Open 2025 which begins tomorrow where he is set to face Japan’s Koki Watanabe in the first round. The world No. 2 Zhi Yi was delighted at retaining the Malaysia Masters title in her happy hunting ground, saying the victory has inspired her to continue competing in this country. In mixed doubles action, second seeds from China Feng Yan Zhe Huang Dong Ping took 63 minutes to stun top seed and teammates Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin 21-17, 14-21, 21-16, to claim their back-to back titles after winning the Thailand Open 2025 the previous week. Dong Ping admitted they struggled with Zhen Bang and Ya Xin’s playing style in the second set but was pleased with the adjustments they made in the decider, which ultimately secured their triumph as the new champions of the Super 500 tournament, here. Another Chinese pair, Liu Sheng Shu–Tan Ning also claimed the women’s doubles title after defeating compatriots Jia Yi Fan– Zhang Shu Xian in straight sets, 21 17, 21-18. – Bernama 7, 21 18. Bernama

Champions Man Wei Chong (back, right) and Tee Kai Wun (front, right) pose with runners-up Aaron Chia (front, left) and Soh Wooi Yik at the Malaysia Masters 2025 prize-giving ceremony at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil yesterday. Wei Chong-Kai Wun defeated their compatriots 21-12, 15-21, 21-16 in the final. – BERNAMAPIC Au revoir , Rafa

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